Process and apparatus for the extraction of pregnant cyanid solutions from pulp.



I u m I E. S. PETTIS.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE EXTRACTION 0F PREGNANT GYANID SOLUTIONS FROM PULP.

APPLIUAT-ION TILED AUG. 12, 1913. 1 1 06,836,

3 8HEETSSHEBT 1.

WI NESSES:

%tg I A Amnu in! Patented Aug. 11; 1914.

E. s. PETTIS.

US FOR THE EXTRACTION 0P PREGNANT GYANID SOLUTIONS FROM PULP.

APPLIUATION FILED AUG. 12, 1913.

PROCESS AND APPARAT L 1 3 Patented Aug: 11, 19M

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESSES:

ATTORNEY B. S. PETTIS. PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF PREGNANT GYANID SOLUTIONS FROM PULP. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 12, 1913. 1 ggfi ggfi Patented Aug. 11, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEBT 3.

WITNESSES:

wine.

-- 'riin swin 'snson EEEMJW, on snn meme ii /Ill it sti ls. h

To all whoni it may concern:

Be it known that Enson gePn'r'ris 'a citizen of theUnit ed ,Sitetes resid. 11g i he city and epiint of San Frnncisco' iihrl gtate of California, We invented new and usel'nl Improvements in Processes anti Apparatns for the ra'etio'n oft. Pregnent Cyanict Solutions from P1 1 1 of which the following is a Speriilicstion My invention relates to. n egins whereby ,cyanigl nlps, as known in inetellurgicel p'e rlsnce containing pre mint solutions of solids, are sepai'ated inoiiler to free the solutions contsinin precioiis ineta in e solvent state from a ihe nah;eltss soliols 0; teen f The 'gBIIGHtl QbjQQlQ and; ngtnjre of niy inrentioii' is to accexnplish in' oneogoerat on aiiti by rnesns at a, single sppziretus this seporation. r

Said ihvention IlIflPYOYGS and eoinbinesthe old deca'ntetion and slime thickening ineth o ls together with .a new nnsnbnierged "-Yacunin filtering n ethoo, thereby obtaining 'ucoinplete extraction of prec ous metal. milu es, end also e ecting :1 great economy in tiine grid-cost of ogeration. i

Oiir'niodern re inction plants for the extrziction of 'precions metals from low grade "ores by cyii-i iidation involve the use off many 'aphluinces end distinct processes necessitating grinding apparstns, processes of cys nitl treatment andcli'ssolntion of values, iicke'ni'ng and filtering processes, 11ml precipitation of alue dissolved, With final dische' ging of the ulp on toiling dumps as residue.

The modern. processes are continuous in nzgtnre, keepin the pulp in motion from the time it enters he reduction plant until itis deposited on the tailings pond in a velueless condition, In this Qprocedure, after the preciQ l$ metals hm e bee n dissolved in cyanid solution, the final extraction of this pregnantsolution has developed into s contimious process treating on 'ex ce edingly finely groiincl pulp using many tanks of different lesign for thickening of. pulps,

pressure or vacuum filters and much m ohinery. The. principal functions of the filters are to thicken the ,pulps in a pregnant solution by means of pressure, and displzxce the pregnant component solutions by niezinsotpressure. with barren dilute solutiQ lSfiiwater ,Heretofore this operation necessitated two distinct apparatus, such as storage for lvl. ini's come the l tempe'nture in o a i'ece'otacle or? pulp and le '1 some characterisncs the liquids from prep of greater temperature will use snci remain at the top of receptzicle, until sncn time as they become of the seine temperstnro.

In ordinary ternis, my present invention container and movable parts as a comb tion, for the continuous separation of solioe {rein pregnant solutions bj gravitation of soiitis into an underflow of barren solution ancl continuously cl rawing =fi the risin piegmnt solntions tfrfiinsol: or the thnk as an overriow the settlinfgof solids continiionsly through a "barren solution into a ater lllldQI'flOW, onion filter me rliimi aiid 1'ein ovii1g the thickened pul'i in the *mhieless state from the iilter an re,- ceptscle, continnonsly, by nechztnicnlinenns.

over the to]? 'elole solutions from sol'ils or semi s olitls'hy flotation means in valneless solutions of the sziiiie characteristics zindto thic kenonii filter notliuin for further displifeement pf comhonent solutions in one hpp'giratus or series of same ttpparatus, to separate in part unfilteruble material from a mixture of solids and liqni ds particulnrly relgi ting to improve- .n ents of floating pres "ant solutions from cvanitl piil'ps; and the nii'ther filtering of shale pulps. coninletely e rtractingi recions l metal solutions from suchnulips in a contininvolves an apparatus, consisting of a. tank .llhepniticnlar purpose is to extract. Faith its nous manner in one apparatus: to extract in c ntiinnuisly, in one apparatus, pregnant solutions from cyanid pulps :--as

1. Displacin pregnant solutions with a barren solution, allowing the solids to settle into an uiulcrtlov; ol barren s lution.

Displaring tle barren solutions with water, allowing the settling, solids to de posit on a lilter medium over which passes salnneru'cd chambers of water, displacing a component solution within. the deposited pulp on the filter medium, directly under said chambers by means of water from the chambers percolating through the pulp on the filter medium.

3. Discharging continuously from the receptacle, by means of a revolving screw picking up the pulp from the filter medium, and worming it out through a centrally located revolving passageway.

4. To establish and maintain. due to the respective differences of solutions associate ing with solids at dili'erent depths of the receptacle, what i have termed: a, the pregnant zone being that portion of dilute pulps in the upper part of the receptacle, containing precious metals in greater quantity;. I), the middle portion of receptacle contents is the barren zone; being that portion of less dilute pulps containing little precious metal values of mixed solutions and solic s; o, the bottom portion of receptacle contents is the water zone; being that portion of greater density containing a chemically dilute solution and more barren pulp.

dolids in. cyanid solutions are commonly known as pulp pulverized ore and moisture. in view thereof 1 have used that term in my description. Cyanid solutions conraining appreciable amounts of gold and silver are termed pregnant solutions conaining precious metals. in view thereof, 1 have used that term in my description. t lyanid solutions, having contained in solution precious metals and precipitated therefrom by chemical Ineans, after which l ey become barren of precious metals, are

1 ed barrensolutions regenerated soluin view thereof l have used that term Ill-lacing reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure l a side elevation of the apparzuns partly in section. Fig. is an enlarged central ctiou through the lower por tion of the apparatus. 3 is a section on line Ti -QT. Fin. 1. l5 l is a cross section of the scrcw eonveye Fig. 5 is a cross section of the lilter con'ipartment controlling; valves. Fig. (i is a plane seetirni ot the water distriluitiiw valve on line V' -V, Fig. 1. Fig. i is a vertical section through the water distributing valve.

Referring to the drawings; A indicates a the re nantv zone i P ioness tank of considerable depth, having a sloping bottom 2, which is divided into a suitable number of separate divisions, indicated at 3, by upwardly extending ribs 4, upon which is placed a suitable filtering material B, such as burlap, canvas, etc. suitable number of independent separate filtering chambers are tltas formed through which a liquid may be injected into the tank or withdrawn from same. The tank as a whole is carried in the frame C and is further supported on a' central thrust bearing 5, provided with a stalling-box 6 at its lower end. Extending through the stui'ling-box 6 is tubular driving shaft having a flared open head to which is secured a. conical-shaped hollow head 9. Secured to the top of the head 9 is an upwardly extending second my driving shaft 10, suitably jonrnaled, as at 11 and 12, in. the upper portion of the frame. Secured to the shaft at 13 and revoluble with same is a pair of annular launders 14 and 15, and connected with same is a pair of radially disposed distributing pipes 14 and 15*; the pipes 1 L being connected with the launder-s 14 and likewise the pipes 15 are connected with the launder 15. Adjustably suspended by rods 16., carried by the supporting frame C in juxtaposition with relation to the distributor pipes 14* and 15 is a series of open ended,'vertical cylinders 17, 18 and 19.

The cyanid pulp containing solids, as-

unseparated sands and slimes, and pregnant solutions, as precious metals in cyanid solution,coming direct from the grinding apparatus or treatment vats, enters the receptacle A and is distributed evenly over the surface of the receptacle contents from launder 14: through pipes 14: with numerous openings, passing horizontally in a circular motion, into a partially submerged vertical cylinder 17. The pulp as distributed, gravitates from this cylinder into another and larger vertical open-ended cylinder 18, wholly submerged in and below the surface of the contents of the receptacle A. Settling into this cylinder 18 the pregnant solution of the dilute pulp rises over the sides of this cylinder, and guided by a third vertical open-ended cylinder 19 partly submerged, and at the extreme outer sides of the receptacle, continues to rise finally overflowing the top of receptacle into an overflow launder 20. This is the current fiow of As the solids gavitatc within the second wholly submerged, or midway cylinder 18, this settle into a mid way undertiow of barren solution, which is evenly distributed through. --horizontal pipes 15 with numerouslopenings and extending outward from the center of the receptacle, midway its contents, and moving slowly in a circular motion; the barren solution being admitted from any suitable source through ll ll gipe ill to launder l5 and thence by pipes 21th the distributing arms 22-. This barren solution-distribluion is to displace the pre unt solution; receiving the settling soli s antheausing the pregnant solutions to rise and overflow the receptacle, being in quan tity' less than the pregnant solution entering with pul 'i'inflow to receptacle, but sutiicient todispluce the pregnant solution of settli' g nip at this juncture A slight portioiioi the' pregnant solution mixes withtho hurrer solution at this juncture; passing i Ytb t e barren zone with the solids, and in" view thereof, the greater part of this mixed solution is drawn (at this depth of intt litsl' out of the receptucle through small dilerly spaced valved o enings 28' in the sides of the receptacle: his is the cur rent flow hi the barren zone These intermediate outlets 23 have an insidedeflection piece 25 attached to the receptacle sides and extending below at an angle to shear awziy or deflect solids settlin from a higher plane from passing out with the liquids. The- -'discharge of cloudy'sirlutions, these intermediate outlets of the barren zone regulated by the valves 23 on the outside, zilhiwin'g an exit of the mixed solutions in quantity sufiicient to maintain a clear over {low of pregnant solutions from the receptttele, obtaining a rich clear sblution for precipitation of values contained; Near these intermediate outlets, andat the lower edge of the deflector,- the contents of the receptacle may be heated by the use of steam coils 26 supplied with the apparatus, to increase aseparation and settling'of solid matter near"these outlet;s, furnishing a clearer flow 'of 'solution fromthe' openings. In this inunner of fiotationof pregnant solutions, very little of the precious lne'tttl' contents entern sofids to the filter medium. (The top inflow of pulp (solids plus two i or three timestheir weight of solutions) is al eater in 'bulk than the discharge of the t ickened plilpdromthe bottom of the receptacle. ,Hence an overflow of solution, clearof solids and rich in values passes from the top of receptacle by means of the enciriling: launder 20. This solution is-precipilie ed of its values and n portion,'or the whole, is returned barren to this same receptacle, entering through the submerged is u remover or screw 32 the receptacle will gravitate with the "tion to the revolving movement of the colhis case the overflow pregnant sohztions would hecome dilute oi nines lbw these cylinders, at send an -uutlets, the pu p raitatms nzu 1 ivustw s5ni eoin tinuu'lly-tlnc us as it neaiw iical huttom of the T-ftfepi Suitably secure si es of the tanhfi an face of n disposed .iousings 29, wind -31. Thi v 5 housings are open on the bott m land house respective spray pipes 29,30" ahihtll' and constitute submerged water .lI-tlll'lilQETS, as

later described. i

Suitably journnled within. the housing 89 ng lhio the column T. Upon the inner 32 is mounted e gear 33, ul' tioned as to interuicsh with a secured, as at 35 upon a sl in the head 9 and an elhow the lower end ot' the d1i\' i Secured, as at upon a worin wheel 39. which i i t t-d as to interniesh with a driving wen mounted upon the shaft 41; suitabl journaled with relation to the main frame. 'C. Mdunted upon the lower end of this shaft 36 is a "similar worni wheel 42, connected with a'worm gear 43 mounted upon 'a' sheft l t similarly "journaled' with relation to the main frame Connecting'the'two shztfiis,

as indicated at 45, is a driving belt or'-si'-rnilar connection; Power applied to'the' main drivingshaft-e0 is thus not only transmitted through the worm wheel 39 to revolve the lit) . column '7, with" connected secondary driving shaft 10,-with the radially disp osed distributer'a'rms l land 15 and radially disposed housings 29, 30 and 3 1,"'but is'alsotransmitted'to shaft 514 and worm Wheel 42 m revolve the sha'ft 36 with connected gears 33 And ill. thus causing the cohveyer or screw 32 to be-revolved independently with 'rele- 11G nmn 7 an d connected housings 29, and 31. The ratio of gear transmission between the worms 40 and 39 is such'that the hollow head 9, with connected housings 29, 30 and 31, will be very slowly revolved. The movement of the secondary driving shaft lOwith connected distributer arms, and launders, is very slow; the speed of revolution being so slow as to prevent any agitation of the liquid within the tank or the solidsprccipitoting through some. "Water or wealt solution may be conveyed to the severelssp'rey nozzles in the housingsfifl, 30, 31? through the pipes 60.

lly referring to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the forward portion of the housing 29 i provided with a scraper blade 46 which in eertu in extent adjusts the depth of the i a upon the filtering mediiun. The reining thickness of the cake not acted on L36 by the scraper 46 isthus cut up by the con .Veyer 32 and forced down through zhe houshousing 29. The housings indicated at 30 and 81 are constructed very similar to the housing 29 except that the conveyor 32 is omitted, and except also, they are closed at both ends, but open at the bottom. The forward portions of the housings 30 and 31 are also provided with scrapers 46 end 46*, similar to scrapers 46 on housing 29, which partly reduce the depth of the cake before it is finally acted on and removed hy the conveyer 32. The scraper 46 on tho-housing 31 for example, may reduce the cake from four inches to three inches 'while. the sc'aper 46* following in the path of. the scraper 46 may reduce the cake to two inche The thickness (it the coke is further reduced by scraper t6 so that by the time it is finally cut up by the conveyor an'y clogging of the conveyor is thus eliminated and u constant removal oiithe cake from the covering of the several filter compuitmeats 31, contained Within the housings 30 and 31, are provided for the purpose of washing and leaching the cake before this is removed by the conveyor; thus removing any cyanides or values which might possibly remain in the cake. These housings also contine the water from the pipes 30, 31 from being n'iingled with the component solution oi the surrounding solids. 61 is a flexible flap section hinged to the hack of the housings 29. 3O, 31. wiich extends downward to the filter medium dragging behind the spray pipe chambers as the latter revolve and acting; to contain the ush Water or W; sh solution Within the chambers.

By referring to Fig. 2, the lower end'ot each filter compartment 3 is connected by pipes 48 with respective multiple-Way valves 49, which latter are more clearly shown in the enlarged section of Fig. 5; the lower ends of the valves havingthree openings: (i 51 and 52. The opening 50 is connected to a vacuum pump or similar means, not necessary here to he shown; the opening 51 is u drain opening; while the opening is clonnected through a pipe with :1 Water sup ply nuder-pressure. not shown; said prcssure being slightly in excess of the liquid pressure in the lower portion oi the receptaele A. The upper portions oi: the valves are similarly provided with outlets 50?, 51.

is thus insured. The spray pipes 30,

compartment 3 is treated s c mousse and 52 which in turn are connected by u three-way connection 5 2 which connects the outlet openings with the pipes 48. it will be understood that each filter compartment provided with a pipe es and that each pipe in turn is provided and connected with u respective valve 49., Each valve 49 is provided with a stem 55, upon the outer end of which is mounted a'geer 56 Which is provided for the purpose of turning the valve into register with one \COIIIIOCUOD. or the other. The gears 56 are intermittently and successively operated by the successively errunged gear segments 57, 58, 59, mounted upon the worm wheel -19. These segmental racks 57, 58, 59 will by reason of the revolution of Worm Wheel 49 with relation to the fixedly positioned valves 48, turn the 56 and correspondingly turn one valve or another into the desired position. For instance, normally 2).. valve 49 will assume the position indicated in Fig. 5 which shows connected with the vacuum. produ ingf menus. it valve hom set in this position l cause a certain vacuum Within its re spcctive filtering .ccmpertment 3, which will cause liquid from shove to percolete through the filtering medium and will also cause all \vush liquids supplied by the s are pipes 529 30, 3 to he removed. The rack segments 5'7 58, 59 are positioned on the worm 39 in such relation to the superposed traveling conveyor housing 29 that as said housing with its contained conveyer arrives over or approaches a. filtering compartment 3, the

gear 56 belonging; to the valve 49 which controls that particular filtering compartment 3 will first engage the rack 57 turning valve 49 so' as to shut oil connection with the vacuum producing means and place that particular compartment in communication with the water pressure supply pipe 53 (Fig. 53}. This results in an inflow of Water or dilute solution under pressure slightly in excess of the pressure above the filter. This is to free the pulp from the canvas es the screw 32 picks it up. As the screw passes from over this particular filter compartment the "Water how is cut out from this compartment by the operation of the ruck 5S turning; the valve of this compartment so as to allow the letter to -:;lrain.

through pipe 51. This drainage is but momruitury, or srrtlicieni to allow he principal volume of Water n the conuiurimcnt to flow out, whereupon the next rack 59 comes into play to turn the valve oi? this conufmrtment so as to connect the latter with the vacuum producing means and thus it remains turned to the vacuum side oi the apparatus until the screw again approaches this compurt ment. This cycle of, operations takes place with each valve succe.-: so that each cessively to the action of a vacuum or 1; negative prcssiuge on the underside of the filtering medium lessthan the pressure on the oppo ite side; 2, to a water pressure from below in excess of the pressure on the opposite side of the {filtering medium; and 3, to an intermediate condition of gravity drainage. The entrance of a. clearliquid such as water or a diluted solution into the bottomless chambers in thehousings 29, 30, 31, within the recep- 10 tech in small quantities fills these chambers with a clear filterable liquid of much less density and specific gravity than the solvent liquid, or component solution in the receptacle. (The original solvent or cyanid solution which impregnates the cake, is known as a component" solution, as distinguished from the wash water or dilute solution used to displace the original solution.) lVhen the interiors of these chambers are not subjected to greater ressure than thatexerted by the pulp on t e outside, the pulp being of greater density and specific gravity, will substantially maintain the thin liquid with-. in the-chambers and prevent it from esca treatment not possible nor contemplated in any. other method or apparatusof which I have knowledge. The clear filterable liquid within the chambers easil ';percolates the thin layer of pulbeneath, displacing or forcing before it t e original component in the pulp. The plows maintain a perfect conthtion for filteration under' the chambers and when suction is applied beneath, the rateof percolation is increased.

The operation is briefly as follows? The 40 pregnant solution froinahy suitable source is delivered to the receptacle centrally, and within the vertical cylinder 17 If the solution has not been heated previously it'may be heated by means of the heating-coils 26. Under some circumstances the pulp may be treated cold. The several cylinders 7, 1.8, 19 are de :gn'ed to intercept the out ow of the solid articles contained in the pregnant solution and to assist in directing them to settle by gravityinto the receptacle, Thedown-flow of pregnant solution is met by a counter up flow-of barren solution from the revolving supplypip'es 1 The cylinders 17,18, 19 are adjustable up and downto reg-. ulate, the settling of the solids and the lat?" eral over-flowproportionally to the counter disturbancescaused bythe counterjdischar s of the pregnant andhrrren solutions. o

instance, when-an up-flow of barren solution tends to carry the solid particles, de-

livered into the apparatus with the pregnant solution upward'and over the cylinder 18;

under which circumstances it would be ad visable to raise the cylinder-18, The pregc5 nant'solution relieved of its solids is drawn "middle and bottom of the receptacle, as to oil from the rim over-flow at 20. A secondary drainage of solution is accomplished through the valves 23. The pulp settling from the pregnant solution through a barren solution under-flow becomes deposited on the filter medium B. The wash water chambers 29, 30, 31, assist in forming a thin layer of thick pulp on the filter and the clear liquid from the chambers to'percolate and displace the component solution passing through the'filtered medium; the pulp being subsequently picked up by and continuously removed by the covered revolving screw which travels continuously over the filter; the action of pulp removal being assisted by the cycle of movements accomplished by the valves 49. i

The use of heated pulpheated .before en tering the receptacle, .or within the first cylinder of the apparatus-is beneficial in the.

treatment of low gravity pulps, and establishes and maintains three distinct zones of .solution of different temperature and serves to givea more complete extraction and betterv separation of i the pregnant solutions from the solids, These zones are 10- cated relatively or approximately at the top,

lows; As the pregnant pulp enters the receptacle contents preyiously heated at this particular entrance, the liquids have a tendgency torise and overflow at the top of the receptacle. The entrance of a, barren soluaticn of s e per tu e, er ow th heated p p d ay i h recep l Q r tents has a tendency to remain below tfe pregnant solution zone of, .greater teinpe ture. The entrance of water or dilute sol tion of less temperature than the barren zone, enters the contents'of the receptacle below the barren zone and has a tendency to remain below the barren solution zone.

I do not limit the application oflthis' process to pulps of high temperatpreeitc u sively, or tothe heating oi pulps in, tlie process. Although extremely beneficial in the treatment of pulps ofcolloidal texture it would not be necessary intheapplication .on' pulps of granular texture and avera 'e specific. gravity setbng with greater rapi ity and enabling the use ol. more barren so; 'lution in. the process. The agitation of most cyanid pulpsfbefore entering my process, tend to raise theirtemperatu're suf'licienfly, ordinarily speaking. Neither. doI limitthi's process exclusively to the use of a suction {vvithin the filter-compartments, as in the ap- \plication of. pulps of more or less granular texture deposited on the filter medium 0 1' leachable under a low pressurealready ev leut in this process. f

1 In the tra'ttmentofsome ores the ultimate and complete extraction of cyanid soiutionfrom the 'cyanid pulps isnot essential after the precious metal solutions have already been extracted, as in my process, inasmuch that the extraction of precious metals takes place before the thickening of these pulps and a partial displacement of barren solution dilute" in chemicals with.

The spray pipes 29, 3Q and 31 mounted- .in their respective housings, may be sup-j plied. from any suitable source of pressure supply, but the flow of same ispreferably regulated and controlled by' 'a distributer valve 65, which is connected with the spray pipes through pipes 60. The distributer valve consists of a stationary head 66 (Figs.--

6 and 7) suitably secured to the stationary frame C, and a revolving manifold connec- ,tioi1 67, secured to shaft 10, to which the pipes connect. a Water under pressure enters the stationary head 66 and is then dis- 'tributed through channels 68 and 69 and the manifold plate 67 to the several connected pipes 60, when the flow of water may be further regulated by valves 7 0. A perfectly even distribution of wash water may then be secured the flow of which may be regulated by valves 70 to suit various grades of pulp and thickness of cake on the filter bottom.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. An apparatus for separating pregnant' solution from solids contained therein, con sisting in combination of a tank, means for introducing and distributing pulp into the to portion of the tank, means for simultaneously introducing into the tank a counter underflow of barren solution, yet allowing the solids to gravitate continuously and thicken in the solution underfiow, and means for recovering the pregnant solution, mixed solution, and .thiekened pulp separately,

substantially as described.

2. .An apparatus for treating solids in solution, which consists in combination of a settling receptacle, a centrally disposed submerged vertical open ended cylinder, into which the pulp discharges, concentric cylindrical adjustable partially submerged bafiies, means within the receptacle and below the baiiles for introducing an'upward flow of barren solution counter to the down ward inflow of pregnant solutibn and solids in suspension, and-means for recovering the settled solids separate from the pregnant and barren solution.

3, An apparatus for treating pregnant cyanid solutions, which consists in the combination of a settling receptacle, a centrally disposed, partially ubmerged, vertical open ended cylinder into which the pregnant s lution discharges, concentric cylindrical ad; justable submerged-battles, means within the receptacle and below the bafiles for introducing an upward fiow of barren solution counter to the downward inflow of pregnant solution, and means for recoveringthe settled solids separate from the pregnant and barren solutions.

4. In an apparatus for treating pulps, the combination of a receptacle having a filter bottom, an open bottom chamber movable over the filter, having means for continuously removing the filtered pulp from the receptacle.

5. In an apparatus for treating cyanid solutions, the combination of a receptacle having a filter bottom, a plurality of separated radially arranged compartments under said filter bottom and into which the filter directly 'drains, a radially disposed, traveling, revolving screw conveyer working immediately over the filter bottom and operative to move accumulations thereon to a central point of discharge, and vacuumproducing and washing means onithe opposite side of the filter bottom from the conveyer, and means for alternating the action of said vacuunrproducing and Washing means as the conveyer travels over successive compartments.

6. The combination of a settling tank having a stationary filter bottom and a continuously moving open bottom sluicing chamber operative over thefilter bottom the latter havin a central discharge through the bottom -o the tank.

7. A settling tank having a filtered bottom provided with a series of filtering compartm'ents, a submerged bottomless wash water chamber movableover the filter bottom, and means for withdrawing the contents of the filter compartments.

8. The combination in a settling, tank having a filter bottom divided into filtering compartments,'of a submerged covered conveyer successively n1ovable over the compartments and means working in conjunction with the conveyer to apply a water pressure in the compartment underneath the cake to loosen "the same prior to the removal of the cake by the conveyer.

9. The combination of a settling tank mousse one'nt solution of thickened pulp in a filter ottom tank, consisting-in c'ombinaticn a tank having a filter bottom, sub'inergeg l'o en bottom washing chambers passing in c osc proximity to the filter, means for applying suction to the under side of the filter, means for coordinately applying water pressure to the under side of the filter in juxtaposition to the water chambers, to loosen the filtered.

cake formed, and means of continuously re- 1 moving the cake from the filter medium.

12. An. apparatus for continuously separating I tained t erein, comprising in combination a tank, an open ended cylinder submerged in contents of the tank, means for introducing pulp into the cylinder, a submerged distrib uter moving horizontally in. a circular motion within or below the submerged cylinder introducing a solution undertlow to displace and cause the pregnant solution to rise out of the cylinder and mix with the solution in the top portion of the tank as the solids settle and gravitate with the solution under flow, means for collecting a clear-overflow from the main tank, and means forremoving the thickened pulp from the receptacle.

13. The combination with a settling tank having a stationary filter bottom and means whereby a chamber of clear liquid passes over and close to but spaced from and chore the filter medium, plowin up a portion of settled thickened pulp an adapted to leave a thin layer of pulp. I

14(An apparalms for continuousl sepa rating pregnant oyanid solutions an' solids contained therein, comprising in combination a tank, a filterbottom in said tank, a

tubular shaft projecting through the bottom, a hollow head inside of the tank con nected with said tube, a shaft extendingup through the tankv secured to the head, a pair of: distributing launders mounted on the shaft, means for conveying pulp to one of the launders and barren solution to the other, adistributer pipe mounted on the shaft connected with the pulp launder adapted to distribute the pulp in the top portion of the tank, a distributor pipe mounted on the shaft connected with the barren solution launder adapted to introduce the barren solution beneath the inflow of pulp, me 'is for revolving the tubular shaft with connected head shaft, laundors and distributor arms, and means' for remow ing through the tubular shaft the solids collooted on the filter bottom.

regnant solution and solids con-' 15. fin-apparatus for continuoiis lgisepa rating pregnant cyanid solutions an solids contained. therein, comprising in combine} tion a tank, a filter bottom in said tank, a tubular shaft projecting through t tom, a hollow head inside of the tank con'- ncctcd. with said tube, through the tank secured to the head, a pair ofdistributing launders mounted on the shaft, means for conveying pulp to one of the launders and barren solution to the pther, distributor pipe mounted on the shaft connected with the adapted to distribute the pn portion of the tank, a dis ributer pi e mounted on the shaft connected with die barren solution launder adapted to introduce the barren solution beneath the inflow 1n the top "of uip, means for revolvinn' the tubular.

sha t with connected head sliaft, launders and distributor arms, means for heating the ulp in the upper portion of the tank, means or removing the mixed solution formedbetween the pulp and. barren solution, and means for removing the solids collected on the filter bottom lltAn apparatus for continuousl separating pregnant cyanid solutions and solids ontained therein, comprising in combination a tank, a filter bottom in said tank, means fcrintroducing and distributing pulp into the top portionof the tank, means for introducing a barren solution beneath the inflow of pulp to displace and overflow the pregnant solution as the solids settle, means for heating; the pulp in the upper portion of the tank, means forremovin the mixed solution formed between'the pup and barren solution, means for washin the solids, and means for removing the solids collected on the filter bottom. l

- 17. An apparatus for continuously se a rating pregnant cyanid solutions and solids contained. therein, comprising in combination a tank, a filter bottom in said tank, means for introducing and distributing pulp into the top portion of the tank, means for introducing a barren solution beneath the inflow oi. pulp to displace and overflow the pregnant solution as the solids settle, means, for heating the pulp in the upper portion of the tank, a series of open -emlml cylin ders adjustably mount d in the upper portion of the tank, means for removing the mixed solution formed between the pulp and he bota shaft extending pulp launder barren solution, and means (or removing the solids collected on the liltcr bottom a ;18.}An apparatus for continuously separatingJpre gn-ant c 'anid solutim s and solids contained therein, comprising, in wunbiua tion, a tank,,a filter bottom in said tank, a tubular shatt projecting through the bot tom, a hollow head inside of the tank con nected with said tube, a shaft extending up through. the tank secured to the head, a

"a housing for removingthe within the housings.

air of distributing launders mounted on shaft, means for conveying-pulp to one the launders' and barren solution to the am, a distributor pipe mounted on the bait connected with the pulp launder lapted to distribute the pulp in the top sortion of the tank, a distributor pipe I'l"ll:ntQd on the shaft connected with the Hill'lflIl solution. launder adapted to introduce the 'barren solution beneath the inflow of pulp, means for revolving the tubular shaft with connected head shaft, laundereand distributer arms, means for heating the pulp in the upper portion of the tank, means for removing the mixed solution formed between the pulp and barren solution, a radially disposed housing" mounted on the hollow head opening into the head, means mounted on the housin for removing the solids collected on the ilter bottom, and a plurality of radially disposed housings secured to the hollow head having spray pipes mounted. therein, s

19. An apparatus for continuously sepa rating pregnant oyanid solutions and solids contained therein, comprising in combination, a tank, a filter bottom in said tank, a tubular shaft projecting through the bottom, a hollow head inside oi the tank connected with said tube, a shaft extending up through the tank secured to the head, a pair of distributing launders mounted on the shaft,

means tor conveying pulp to one of the launders and barren solution to the other, a distributor pipe mounted on the shaft connected With the pulp launder adapted to distribute the pulp in the top portion of the tank, a distributer' pipe mounted on the shaft connected. with the barren solution launder adapted to introduce the barren solution beneath the inflow of pulp, means for revolvin the tubularshait with connected head shaft, launders, and distributer arms, means'for heating the pulp in the upper portion (if the tank, means for removing the mixed solution formed between the pulp and barren a solution, aradially disposed housing mounted on the hollow head opening into the head, means mounted on the solids collected on the filter bottom, a plurality ofradially disposed housings secured to the hollow head, scrapers mounted on the forward portions of said housings, and spray pipes mounted 520, An apparatus for continuously separating pregnant cyanid solutions and solids contained therein, comprising in combination, a tank, a filter bottom in said tank, a tubular shaft projecting through the bottom, a. hollow head inside of the tank connected with said tube, a shaft extending up through ihe tank secured to the head, a pair of distributin launders mounted on the shaft, means or conveying. pulp to one 01": the

tank, a distributor pipe mounted on the ers mounted on the launders and barren solution to the other, a distributer pipe mounted on the shaft connected with the pulp launder adapted to distribute the pulp in the top portion of the 7e shaft connected With the barren solution launder adapted to introduce the barren so \lution beneath the inflow of pulp, means for revolving the tubular'shaft with connected head shaft, launders and distributor arms, means for heating the pulp in the upper portion of the tank, means for removing the mixed solution formed between the pulp and barren solution, a radiall disposed housing mounted on the hollow lead opening into the head, means mounted on the housin for removing the solids collected on the nlter bottom, a plurality of radially disposed housings secured to the hollow head, scrapforward portions of said spray pipes mounted Within the housmgs,

housings, and means for controlling the flow of Water through said spray pipes.

21. The combination with a settling tank having a stationary filter bottom, of a plurality of radially disposed submerged open bottom wash water chambers movable over the filter bottom, spray pipes in said chambers a distribution valve with which said pipes are connected, and means interposed betiveen the distributer valve and spray pipes for controlling the flow through the spray pipes.

22. An apparatus for continuously separating pregnant solution and solids contained therein, comprising in combination, a tank, anopen ended cylinder submerged in contents of tank, means for introducingpulp into the cylinder, a submerged dis tributer moving horizontally iii a circular motion Within or below the submerged cylindor introducing a solution underfiow to displace" and cause the pregnant solution to rise out of the cylinder and mix-With the solution in the top portion of the tank as tbe'solids settleand gravitate withthe solution underflo'w, means for collecting a clear overflow from the main tank, means for con tinuously recovering a partially clear solu tion, below the main tank overflow, rising from the discharge of submerged cylinder, means for removing the thickened pulp from the tank, and means for removing the thickened pulp from the receptacle.

23 A receptacle having a filter bottom 1% provided with a series of filtering. compartments, radially disposed submerged scrapers movable in close proximity over the filter bottom, means for alternately creating a vacuum on and applying Wash Water against, the underside of each filter section, and means for removing continuously the thickened pulp left on the filter.

2 2. In combination a settling receptacle, filter bottom in said receptacle, radially dis posed adjustable plows movable continuously over and in close proximity to the filter medium, and means for continuously removing the filtered pulp from the receptacle, submerged sluicing means movable and cooperating with, said plows, and vacuum producing and washing means on the opposite side of the filter bottom and coacting with the sluicing meens.

25. An apparatus in combination with a settling receptacle, e radially disposed open bottom sluicing chamber revolving in close proximity to the bottom of the receptacle, a central discharge through the bottom of the receptacle and a screw in said sluicing chamber (lischar ing the solids radially into .said central disc urge.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing 

